Does anyone know how to answer the Freshfields work experience section - do I simply make it descriptive and say what the role entailed and what tasks I carried out, or do I go towards the more analytical and explanatory route where I link the skills developed to the firm’s values. I know another MC firm which prefers a simple description of the role whereas most firms require a more analytical approach so I’m slightly unsure how to approach the Freshfields one.
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27
- Thread starter Abbie Whitlock
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Would also like to know how to answer it. Not sure the best approach to take. It's 250 words so I think max 3 points?
does Sidley not have any written application questions this cycle (for WVS)?
Did their application form open yet? I know it opens today but I don't see a link to the portal yet on their website
Hi @Abbie Whitlock,
When answering “Detail your extracurricular activities interests and positions of responsibility. Please state what you feel you have gained from them and how others have benefited from your involvement (250 words max)”, should I focus only on extracurricular experiences, or can “positions of responsibility” include paid work/internships as well? The lack of punctuation is confusing me.
Also, how would you suggest structuring this answer?
Thanks!
When answering “Detail your extracurricular activities interests and positions of responsibility. Please state what you feel you have gained from them and how others have benefited from your involvement (250 words max)”, should I focus only on extracurricular experiences, or can “positions of responsibility” include paid work/internships as well? The lack of punctuation is confusing me.
Also, how would you suggest structuring this answer?
Thanks!
Last edited:
Thank you Abbie, amazing advice as always, I really appreciate you responding!Hey!
I secured my TC through the direct route, at a firm that had only just opened applications for the DTC route for the first time, so I definitely don't think focusing heavily on DTC applications will ruin your chances.
My experience was also quite similar to yours - I had completed a few VSs and had previously done a placement year in a law firm, but hadn't secured a TC through those experiences. There are also people in my cohort who secured their TCs through the direct route with no prior legal experience at all. I think this shows it is much more about how you articulate the experiences you do have than having a particular checklist of legal experiences.
Given that you'll be working full-time, I think it is completely reasonable to prioritise DTC applications and only submit a limited number of VSs - particularly if they are firms you are really interested in and that only recruit through their VS. I would probably focus your DTC applications on firms that recruit a healthy number of trainees through the direct route, as that is likely to give you the best return of your time. Whilst the list may be a bit outdated, you can have a look at this thread to get a rough idea of where firms recruit from.
However, I wouldn't completely rule out firms just because they recruit heavily from their VS. If it is a firm that you are genuinely interested in and they offer a DTC route, I would still give it a go - you truly never know!
I would also try not to worry too much about your new role not being a paralegal position. You'll still be able to draw on the experience you gain there in your applications, particularly if you can explain what you have learned and the responsibilities you have taken on. Ultimately, I think it is much better to have a sensible application strategy that allows you to maintain your full-time job than to put yourself under huge pressure trying to do lots of VS applications alongside it.
Best of luck with this cycle!
Same question. Just checked and I did not see any of the written questions it normally has. Seems like they've changed their app process
seems to be the same for Dechert, and somewhat for Hogan Lovells Cadwalader! I'm seeing quite many firms introducing the test stage in lieu of written application questions, very interesting
i attended an insight day w them back in feb and grad rec said they were getting rid of written apps coz of ai and moving more to the online assessmentsSame question. Just checked and I did not see any of the written questions it normally has. Seems like they've changed their app process
Do you know what the next stage(s) are after we submit the application form? The early careers page still says the same as last year, with no updates
no sorry i think they were still in the process of deciding - they did say no WG will be inc tho!
Last year, DLA opened their applications in mid-Sep, so I'm assuming they'd open around that time this year too, especially as there's nothing on their website - not sure why it says 1st Sep on Legal Cheek though
Hey, anyone who has not received any communication from Macfarlanes: I applied for the Winter vac Scheme on the 5th of August, gave the assessment, but no reply yet. I see quite a few video Interview invites; am I to assume I have been rejected?
Thank You.
Thank You.
im in a similar boat - what was your lowest scoring point if u dont mind me asking?
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